I am Cathy Haddix and it is my turn. Time to give a lot of facts missing from the blogs and newspaper.
I had what I thought was a private conversation with Joey Grisham, the new development coordinator, at the opening of Fresh Market. As a private citizen it surprised me as to how noteworthy it has become.
A thank-you to Mike King, who claims to have overheard the conversation and who has targeted me in the The Citizen Blogs. Since King is a virulent enemy of my husband and all things Haddix, his next step is apparently me. Also to The Citizen who deemed this front page news. I hope my response is deemed front page as well.
I had some serious concerns regarding the views and direction Joey Grisham was going to take in Peachtree City.
After introducing myself I started the conversation with, “I hope your tenure in Peachtree City is short-lived.”
This is an attention getter. It worked. I said I had both read his statements in the paper and gotten feedback on conversations regarding his thoughts on Peachtree City.
Those being the village concept didn’t impress him, a downtown is important, big boxes are good and we need to build more retail and in addition to filling currently empty spaces. All avenues for revenue must be considered. ”All” here can have scary implications.
I then stated, as my opinion, that what we have currently is important to remain uniquely Peachtree City. The village concept is the heart of what we are. Many are against big boxes and having emphasis on retail when getting employers and jobs should be the focus.
We went over the former CCD property and I said what about something other than retail?
His annoyed response was, “Well, what would you put in there?”
I said “Medical, a college, vocational institute or offices. Something on that order.”
He gave no answer.
The other topic we talked about was the special use permit. He wants it left alone for flexibility.
I said having structured ordinances makes it more clear for whoever, builders and developers, to understand where things stand rather than dealing with personal negotiations. Why give up what would already be required should be the city stance.
I referred him to the Lowe’s case we lost. The judge ruled against us because of it being personal opinion.
Then I said if I mischaracterized anything I had heard or read I would apologize.
The conversation ended abruptly when Don, who had been talking to Fresh Market executives, came over to get Grisham for inclusion in that conversation.
I would have wanted his take as to what was said prior regarding his direction and desires for Peachtree City. If in keeping with what makes us different — then good luck with the job.
A city staff position of economic development coordinator at a salary and budget of over $150,000 was mandated by [City] Council Members Fleisch, Learnard and Imker. During council meetings they tasked Grisham to focus on retail. All industry and business would come through the Fayette County Development Authority.
This means we have no advocate or authority in Peachtree City seeking good-paying jobs.
This makes no sense nor is it rocket science. There are issues of businesses and companies that lead to good-paying jobs, employees, home buyers and customers for retail. Retail is important but how well will it work without the rest?
People who know me are quite aware that I am blunt. Nothing is worse than finishing a conversation and not actually remembering what was said or the outcome.
As far as Joey Grisham being taken aback, I say if you cannot handle a conversation of give and take with a citizen, how can you deal with your job?
I will not be intimidated by Mike King, The Citizen or anyone else. I am not in political office and have not surrendered my First Amendment right of free speech.
Don has never intimated through any words or channeled through me that Grisham should be terminated. How Don operates in office is left to him. I am mad that even has to be stated.
There is a focus on a positive outcome for Grisham in his job. The council will wait to see his progress.
As far as Imker being disappointed with me I am disappointed that he has no regard for his campaign promises. That is the measure of an individual — his word.
Cathy Haddix
Peachtree City, Ga.
